Moving to Nashville to become a songwriter in 1973, Steve Earle's endless tales
of hell-raising and heartache have made him one of America's great outlaw
troubadours, but his records and live shows throughout the years have usually
been at their most rocking and raucous when accompanied by backing band The
Dukes.
Earle was originally born in Virginia but grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and
took up the guitar at nine after being inspired by Johnny Cash, The Beatles and
Bob Dylan. A rebellious teenager with a nose for trouble, Townes Van Zandt
became Earle's first mentor and he...